Commissioner defends league’s hiring record

Salt Lake City NBA Commissioner David Stern defended the league’s record on hiring black coaches Thursday and lightheartedly questioned what Milwaukee coach George Karl was thinking when he made comments about Orlando’s Doc Rivers.

In a magazine article, Karl complained that one of his assistants was being passed over for head coaching jobs while Rivers had been “anointed” a good coach. Karl later apologized to Rivers and called his comments “stupid.”

The commissioner agreed.

“I don’t know what was in George’s drink that day,” said Stern. “I don’t know what was in the water. George is a pretty bright guy.”

McDyess on IR

Denver Denver Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess was placed on the injured reserve list Thursday because of knee inflammation.